Fitzpatrick to return for Laois as surgery ruled out

LAOIS’S Kevin Fitzpatrick will not require surgery on a troublesome groin.

The Portlaoise player sustained the injury in October and, despite a lay-off over Christmas, suffered severe discomfort in the All-Ireland club championship meetings against Crossmaglen and Ballina.

However a scan last week has ruled out the need for an operation.

“Thankfully the scan has come up negative,” said Laois selector Declan O’Loughlin.

“What Kevin needs now is 10 days to a fortnight’s rest and we’re confident he’ll be able to start training with us again.”

O’Loughlin also confirmed that Donal Miller’s ankle injury, picked up during last Sunday’s defeat to Wexford, was not a serious recurrence of the problem that sidelined the Annanough club man last season.